NewarkSustainabilityActionPlan_2013

The City of Newark
SUSTAINABILITY
ACTION PLAN

I am proud to introduce The City of Newark’s first formally
published Sustainability Action Plan. It matured out of a
commitment to sustainability that was made at the very
beginning of my Administration. This plan represents a vision
developed over the last five years, via a partnership comprised
of residents and a team of municipal employees. We are
engaged in a tremendous effort to revitalize Newark, improving
the quality of life for all of our residents and stakeholders. Our
quest is to move Newark toward a future that is healthy, green,
and vibrant!
In 2008, hundreds of Newarkers gave of their time, talents and
energy at the Newark Green Future Summit in order to craft an
agenda focused on green jobs, economic development, youth
and community development, and healthy, affordable housing.
Pursuant to that agenda, the City established a full-fledged
Sustainability Office, coupled with our first Environmental
Commission. At this juncture, there are projects underway to
expand urban farming and fresh food access, reduce energy
bills, plant more trees, increase green community spaces,
curb air pollution, and reduce the cost of government through
smart, efficient operations.
This Plan arrives at a critical stage in Newark's history. The
population is growing. Major investments from public, private,
and philanthropic sectors have led to new developments and
affordable housing projects in all five wards. Key to these
actions is the City’s Master Plan, which has also been revised.
As the nation emerges from a recession, Newark is poised
to realize even greater gains. At the same time, we face
environmental and social challenges unknown by previous
generations. Carbon emissions world-wide are at a record
high. Climate change is contributing to more severe storms,
hotter summers, and other challenges for cities that need
affordable energy, clean air, fresh food, and open spaces.
These trials disproportionately impact our most vulnerable
residents. To be meaningful, sustainability efforts must
confront poverty and public health, while strengthening the
link between economic development and opportunity for
residents, especially our youth. Newark's actions, outlined
in this Plan, demonstrate that it is possible to meet these
challenges. We can make our urban environment healthier
and more resilient while at the same time create jobs and new
business opportunities for residents.
I thank everyone who helped create this document. And I invite
everyone who lives, works, or visits in Newark to become part
of the exciting projects described herein. Working together,
we can build that healthy, green, vibrant urban environment
where generations of Newarkers will thrive.
Sincerely,
Cory A. Booker
Mayor, City of Newark
LETTER FROM THE MAYOR
PREFACE | i

CreatingaSustainableNewarkthrough“GoingGreen”initiatives
has been a major priority for the Booker Administration since
it took office in 2006. The Environmental Commission works
closely with the Office of Sustainability and the Municipal
Council to develop policy, programs, and partnerships that
support healthy neighborhoods, vibrant businesses, and job
creation. The core of our efforts is grounded in the principles of
Environmental Justice, because every Newarker has the right to
a clean and healthy environment to live, work, play, and pray.
As an Environmental Justice Organizer, I have a long history of
educating and empowering citizen leadership and conducting
programs to improve our health, advance environmental equity,
and enhance our communities. While improvements must
ultimately be realized at the individual level, they often require
changes in policy at the institutional, local, regional, state, and
national levels. We must work together as residents, businesses,
and community organizations to save our environment.
The Sustainability Action Plan is a living document to guide the
City of Newark, but “Going Green” cannot be done by the City
alone—Going Green depends on all of us. We all have a green
job to do! There are simple actions we each can take in our
homes, our lifestyles, and in the course of our daily business.
As Chair of the City of Newark's Environmental Commission,
I invite the Newark Community to join in making Newark a
greener and sustainable city. In our community smart growth
development will expand economic opportunity, create jobs,
protect public health, and the environment and enhance the
places that residents love.
The Sustainability Action Plan is our community plan to make
Newark a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable city! I want to thank
all the citizens who attended our meetings and gave input
for the plan. In addition, I thank all of the commissioners,
environmental organizations and Environmental Justice
advocates for their input as well.
Kim Thompson-Gaddy
Chair, Newark Environmental Commission
LETTER FROM THE NEWARK ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
ii | NEWARK SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
GET INVOLVED
Newark’s Sustainability Action Plan needs
YOU. Get involved by making your home,
your neighborhood, your business, or your
community healthier, greener, and more
affordable. Learn more by visiting www.
SustainableNwk.org, by contacting us at
973.733.6575 or info@SustainableNwk.
org.You can also follow us on Twitter: @
SustainableNwk.All members of the public
are invited to attend monthly Newark
Environmental Commission meetings.
These generally take place on the first
Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm in
room 304 of Newark City Hall. Schedule
for the Environmental Commission
meetings is available at: http://www.
ci.newark.nj.us/residents/green_newark/
newark_environmental_commission.php.
We look forward to working with you!
GET INVOLVED
Newark’s Sustainability Action Plan needs
YOU. Get involved by making your home,
your neighborhood, your business, or your
community healthier, greener, and more
affordable. Learn more by visiting www.
SustainableNwk.org, by contacting us at
973.733.6575 or info@SustainableNwk.
org.You can also follow us on Twitter: @
SustainableNwk.All members of the public
are invited to attend monthly Newark
Environmental Commission meetings.
These generally take place on the first
Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm in
room 304 of Newark City Hall. Schedule
for the Environmental Commission
meetings is available at: http://www.
ci.newark.nj.us/residents/green_newark/
newark_environmental_commission.php.
We look forward to working with you!

This Plan is the work of many hands. The City gratefully
acknowledges everyone who participated in developing ideas,
reviewing drafts, and contributing material. We look forward
to continuing these partnerships during the implementation
phase of the Plan.
StephanieGreenwoodservedasleadauthorandprojectmanager
for this Plan with content, editing assistance, and support
provided by other members of the Sustainability Office, the
consulting team, and the Newark Environmental Commission.
Funding
ThisPlanwasdevelopedwithsupportfromtheU.S.Department
of Energy through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Block Grant Program. This program is part of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act, designed to stimulate the
economy through activities that address pressing local needs,
including the need to plan for improved energy efficiency and
greenhouse gas reduction.
Community Leaders and Residents
This document benefited tremendously from the input of
residents and organizational leaders that came out to meetings,
sent comments, participated in Sustainability Office activities,
and pushed the final draft of the Plan to reflect community
priorities. Their efforts have been (and will continue to be)
crucial to the Plan’s success.
Newark Environmental Commission
The Newark Environmental Commissioners played a central
role in developing ideas, engaging the public, and refining the
final draft of this Plan. Particular thanks are due to Chelsea
Albucher for her generous contribution of time and expertise
to revising and improving this document.
• Kim Gaddy—Commission Chair
• Ana Baptista—Vice Chair
• Chelsea Albucher
• Jermaine James
• Donna Kirkland
• Gail Maynor
• Elizabeth McGrady
• Carla Robinson
Newark Municipal Council
TheNewarkMunicipalCouncilprovidedadvocacyandessential
support for the creation of the Environmental Commission,
the Sustainability Office, and for this Sustainability Action
Plan. Grateful acknowledgments to Council Member Augusto
Amador, Council Member Ras J. Baraka, Council Member
Mildred C. Crump, Council Member Carlos M. Gonzalez,
Council Member Luis A. Quintana, Council Member and Acting
Council President Anibal Ramos, Jr., Council Member Ronald
C. Rice, Council Member Darrin S. Sharif, and to Congressman
Donald M. Payne, Jr., former Council President.
Consulting Team
The Newark Sustainability Action Plan was prepared with the
assistance of a consulting team comprised of KSS Architects,
Steven Winters Associates, and Langan Engineering.
Professionals from these firms provided research, conducted
interviews, assisted with public outreach, and prepared written
material for inclusion in the Plan. KSS Architects also provided
graphic design.
Municipal Staff
Newark municipal staff participated in interviews and group
meetings and provided thoughtful feedback. Staff has also
taken leadership in-house by pushing for sustainability
advances in municipal operations through the City’s “Green
Team.” Special thanks to:
• Adam Zipkin, Deputy Mayor and Director, Department
of Economic and Housing Development, for his vision in
advancing sustainability as a function of city government
• Tharien Karim Arnold, Director of Neighborhood and
Recreational Services Department
• Richard Lopez, Public Buildings Manager
• MehdiMohammadish,DirectorofEngineeringDepartment
• Jack Nata, Director of Traffic & Signals Division
• Newark Municipal “Green Team” members: Jerusha
Schultze, Damaris Quinones, Nydia Guimaraes, Brenda
Anderson, Louis Matos, Deidre Knight, Sherronda Carroll,
Jamiyl Peters, Tawana Johnson, Regena McCray-Palmer,
Charles Crawley, Kellee Johnson, Edite Martins, Peter
Pinckney, William Ordonez, and Mahima Giri
Sustainability Office Staff
Sustainability staff provided content, editing assistance, and
support throughout, and will coordinate implementation.
• Stephanie Greenwood, Sustainability Director
• Joel Sonkin, Chief of Energy and Environment
• Elizabeth Reynoso, Food Policy Director
• Robert Thomas, Energy Project Manager
• Mahima Giri, Sustainability Project Manager
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region
2 and New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (NJDEP) Staff
Staff in environmental offices at the State and Federal levels
provided thoughtful and detailed feedback on this Plan as well as
offering continued support through the implementation phase.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PREFACE | iii

SECTION
INTRODUCTION
AIR QUALITY
ENERGY
RECYCLING AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY GREENING
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS
PAGES
1 – 9
10 – 27
28 – 47
48 – 65
66 – 81
82 – 89
90 – 103
Contents

6 | NEWARK SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Sustainability
Action Plan
INTRODUCTION

Newark’s environment forms the context in which everyone in
the city lives, works, and plays. The environment can support
health and prosperity, or it can be a factor contributing to
illness, inequality, and barriers to economic opportunity.
This Sustainability Action Plan lays out strategies for making
Newark’s environment a positive force in the life of the city.
Working with the tools of municipal government and leveraging
partnerships with community and business leaders, the City of
Newark commits to pursuing the vision of a healthy, green,
vibrant city articulated by residents and other stakeholders over
the last several years. The goals of the Plan are captured in the
term “sustainability,” which means promoting environmental,
social, and economic well-being over the long-term.
UnderMayorCoryBooker,Newarkhasmadeanunprecedented
commitment to sustainability. Since 2006, based on a planning
process that involved hundreds of Newarkers and built on
decades of activism, the City hired its first Sustainability
Officer, established the Newark Environmental Commission,
and formally created an Office of Sustainability within the
Economic and Housing Development Department. The City
has leveraged state and federal resources and organizational
partnerships to promote energy efficiency, boost recycling,
plant trees, increase urban farming, reduce air pollution, clean
up brownfields, and more. This Plan builds on all the work
that has been done to date and lays out a policy framework,
principles, and priority Action Items for moving Newark’s
sustainability agenda forward over the coming years.
POLICY FRAMEWORK
The City of Newark’s efforts to improve the urban environment
seek to promote the following four policy goals:
1. Improved public health: Clean air, water, and land is
foundational for the city’s success.
2. Cost savings: Wise use of resources and energy can save
money for residents, businesses, and government while
reducing environmental impact.
3. Enhancedqualityoflife:Environmentalimprovements
can also beautify and cool neighborhoods and boost the
quality, health, and affordability of buildings.
4. Expanded green economic opportunity for
Newarkers:Improvingtheenvironmentmeanssupplying
a range of new goods and services. These opportunities
can and should serve as ladders of economic advancement
for Newark residents. They should also position Newark
as an engine for sustainable economic development and
innovative, clean technology growth for the region.
PRINCIPLES
In order to ensure that the implementation process reflects the
spirit as well as the letter of this Plan, the City commits to the
following guiding principles:
1. Leading by Example: Newark municipal government
will seek to advance sustainability in its own operations.
2. Environmental Justice: Policies will support the right
of all members of the community to enjoy the benefits of
a healthy environment, regardless of income, race, class,
or location.
3. Local Self-sufficiency: A sustainable economy is rooted
in the ability of a community to meet its own needs. Policies
will support local ownership of sustainable businesses and
the success of green, “Made in Newark” products.
4. Stakeholder Driven Policy-making: Policies and
programs will be developed in consultation with people
that will be affected by them. This includes efforts to build
shared knowledge and increase environmental literacy.
5. Connection to Community Development: A
healthy urban environment is inextricably linked with
a healthy community, including strong neighborhoods.
Sustainability efforts will support neighborhood
revitalization and community engagement activities.
6. Data and Research: The City will reach out to and
engage long-term partnerships at local universities and
research centers on environmental issues in order to use
the best available information in policy decisions.
7. Sustainable Relationships: Implementation activities
will demonstrate respect and build trust among stakeholders.
PRIORITY ACTION ITEMS
Air Quality
Improving air quality can have a substantial impact on public
health and quality of life while at the same time advancing
environmental justice.
• Convene an air quality taskforce to identify, monitor and
address health-harmful local sources of air pollution
• Reduce diesel pollution from trucks and other vehicles
• Develop and implement a Cumulative Impact Ordinance and
Zoning Amendments to minimize and mitigate new pollution
• Strengthen partnerships and advocacy work on major
emission sources
• Phase out use of Number 6 and Number 4 heating oil in
building boilers
• Roll out a “Green and Healthy Homes Initiative” for
Newark focused on homes with children with asthma
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION | 1

Energy
Bringing down energy use and costs helps everyone’s budget,
reduces the pollution associated with fossil fuel-based energy
production, helps the City meet its greenhouse gas targets, and
drives improvements in the quality of the building stock.
• ReducetheCityofNewark’smunicipalenergyconsumption
by 20 percent over the next five years
• Facilitate energy savings for residential, commercial,
industrial, and institutional partners
• Explore and support clean energy alternatives and
distributed generation development
• Promote and enhance green building and design principles
for development projects
Recycling and Materials Management
Reducing the amount of waste we produce and diverting
remaining waste for productive reuse in the local economy
saves resources, reduces the pollution and greenhouse gas
associated with traditional waste disposal methods, and spurs
the creation of new jobs and businesses as materials are made
into new products.
• Develop and implement a Newark Zero Waste Strategy
• Double city-wide municipal recycling rate from 2010 levels
• Develop strategies for waste reduction and increased
recycling at commercial and institutional facilities
• Expand waste reduction and diversion for food and organics
• Develop and implement a Construction and Demolition
Waste Recycling Ordinance
• Develop and implement an Electronics Recycling program
• Grow and attract green businesses that upcycle materials
(re-use materials by taking them out of the waste stream
and making them into new ‘Made In Newark’ products)
Stormwater Management and Community Greening
Significantly expanding the city’s capacity to absorb stormwater
through landscaping, permeable surfaces, tree planting, and
other “green infrastructure” measures helps reduce flooding
and water system overflows; at the same time, these strategies
cool and beautify the city.
• Launch a high-profile campaign to put Newark on track
to double its tree canopy and establish a stable source of
revenue for tree maintenance
• Implement a new Newark Stormwater Ordinance and
develop green infrastructure policy
• DevelopgreeninfrastructurestandardsforCitycapitalprojects
• Identifyandimplementatleast10pilotgreeninfrastructure
projects over the next five years
• Develop a stormwater infrastructure bank and explore
options for funding stormwater improvements through
fees on impermeable surfaces
• Support neighborhood-based rain capture projects
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Newark’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emission strategies seek to
meet reduction targets and at the same time address key policy
goals such as improved air quality and lower costs.
• Promote GHG reduction within City operations and in
City-supported private projects
• Capture and track GHG reductions associated with Action
Items in this Plan
• Work with North Jersey Transportation Planning
Authority (NJTPA) to refine existing GHG inventory for
Newark sectors, determine tools for tracking GHG for
City and key sectors, and participate in NJTPA’s GHG
mitigation workgroup
• Work with priority sectors (e.g. Port and Port related,
Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, large buildings and
institutions) to advance GHG reduction goals
Healthy Food Access
Fresh, affordable food nourishes us as individuals, families,
and communities and brings people together in new ways.
Producing, distributing, and preparing healthy food for
local consumption, education work on food, and responsible
processing of food waste can all act as drivers of local economic
development.
• Establish a city-wide Newark Food Policy Council
• Support successful, affordable Farmers Markets in each ward
• Stimulate urban agriculture on vacant public land
• Educate and engage youth in transforming Newark’s
food environment, including increasing food literacy
and food education, and promoting healthy corner stores
near schools
• Increase Made In Newark food sales at bodegas and
food outlets
CONCLUSION
Five years from now, the implementation of these actions
will have moved Newark closer to a sustainable future. This
future will be built from tangible projects—more urban farms,
healthier, more energy efficient homes, less diesel pollution,
and more trees. But it will also grow from the relationships that
form as these projects are planned and completed. Working
together across siloes to expand our collective capacity for
healthy urban living will strengthen our networks. These
stronger personal and professional relationships will help us
set and realize even more ambitious goals in the years to come.

WHAT IS THE NEWARK SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN?
The Sustainability Action Plan outlines strategies to address
Newark’s key environment issues with the goal of creating a
healthier, more prosperous future for the city. It represents a
commitment from the City of Newark (the City) to incorporate
sustainability into municipal operations as well as into city
policies, programs, and partnerships with community members.
In order to realize these goals, the City is committed to working
across municipal agencies and engaging with a wide range of
stakeholders. The strategies in the Action Plan are designed to
work together to advance the policy goals described in more
detail below: driving down costs, improving public health and
quality of life, and expanding economic opportunity in the
sustainable economy. They are also designed to give everyone
that cares about Newark's environment plenty of opportunity
to participate. Acting together, we can make our homes,
our communities, and our businesses healthier and more
economically viable over the long term.
Thisisanactionplaninthesensethatthepolicygoals,principles,
and priorities discussed below are linked to specific actions
with detailed implementation strategies. The policy framework
and action items are intended to complement the City's Master
Plan, which lays out a direction for development in Newark over
the next 30 years. The Action Plan focuses on early activities
to be launched within the next five years. Implementing these
actions will advance Newark's sustainability agenda while
at the same time building momentum and strengthening the
relationships critical for reaching the long-term goals laid out
in the Master Plan. The Newark Sustainability Action Plan is a
living document, meant to serve as a starting point for strategic
action, rather than as an end product.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?
Sustainability refers to strategies for meeting the
environmental, economic, and social needs of people today
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their needs. It is an approach to living, governing, and doing
business so that the benefits of a healthy environment remain
available to everyone.
Newark joins communities all over the world in grappling
with the issue of sustainability. Cities, in particular, are
demonstrating innovation in addressing the impact of climate
change and pollution, making better use of scarce resources,
and positioning themselves to survive and thrive, now and long
into the future.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Newark's environment reflects its history as both a proud,
diverse, industrial city and a place subject to social and
economic forces that have resulted in disinvestment and
economic decline. Despite past and present challenges, Newark
has also been characterized by innovation, culture, community
organizing, and a deep commitment on the part of residents
and local businesses to making the city a better place.
Newarkhasseveraltremendousenvironmentalassetsincluding
its watershed properties, Olmstead-designed parks, Branch
Brook Park whose cherry blossom festival attracts thousands
of visitors a year, and a dense transit network that facilitates
the movement of goods and people throughout the region.
At the same time, Newark’s industrial legacy and its role as
a regional hub have created environmental challenges that
shape the context for this Plan. Newark hosts highways with
continuous truck and car traffic, air and sea transport, the
region's waste incinerator and wastewater treatment plant, and
some of the region's dirtiest power generation infrastructure.
Land contamination from former uses—called brownfields—
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION | 3
By making our homes, neighborhoods and
economy more sustainable we will make
Newark a healthier more liveable and
vibrant city with increased access to fresh
foodsand openspaces; enhanced air quality
and lower asthma rates; reduced operating
costs for our homes and businesses and a
hub of green economic activity with family
supporting living wage jobs.
—VISION STATEMENT BASED ON THE NEWARK GREEN FUTURE SUMMIT, 2008
March against garbage burning organized by Ironbound Committee Against
Toxic Waste (ICATW), 1980s. Photo credit: Ironbound Community Corporation
EJ Archive.

limits development potential and holds down the tax base. An
aging building stock imposes both higher energy cost burdens
and greater indoor air quality problems on Newark residents
than on suburban counterparts. The cumulative impact of all
this is an urban environment that can contribute to health
problems, reduce quality of life, raise costs, and isolate
residents from economic opportunity. The concentration of
pollution in areas with high proportions of poor and minority
residents has come to be known as environmental racism or
environmental injustice.
In response to environmental issues and injustices, Newark
residents and community organizations have organized and
fought for their rights. This history includes several victories
that led to national policy change, including the creation of
the Toxics Release Inventory and Community Right to Know
Act. Residents have also been actively engaged in opposing the
location of polluting facilities in Newark, and have won some
important victories.
Recent years have witnessed a resurgence of development
in the downtown core, substantial increases in affordable
housing construction, the first population increase in many
years, new park development, a riverfront rezoning—and an
unprecedented commitment on the part of City government
to sustainability.
DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Building on the history of activism and commitment to
environmental health in Newark, the City under Mayor Booker
embraced the challenge of sustainability as a function of local
government. In 2008, the City hired its first Sustainability
Officer and held a major three-day Green Future Summit.
Newark Green Future Summit mapped out an agenda focused
on public health, quality of life, economic development, and
job creation. Following the Summit, Newark swore in its first
Environmental Commission in 2009.
In 2010, the Municipal Council voted to create the Office of
Sustainability as a formal function of city government. The
Sustainability Office launched a municipal “Green Team”
and began to implement a federal stimulus grant from the
U.S. Department of Energy. This grant provided Newark with
resources to develop a Sustainability Action Plan—a document
that lays out policies, priorities, and actions that advance a
comprehensive municipal sustainability agenda.
In addition, the City has leveraged millions of dollars to reclaim
brownfields and has undertaken the largest rehabilitation and
renovation project of City parks in decades, opening the largest
such municipally-owned facility, Nat Turner Park, in 2008
and a new riverfront park in 2012. The Sustainability Office
secured millions of dollars in federal and state grants to launch
programs within municipal government and the community.
The Sustainability Office works across municipal departments,
with the Environmental Commission, and with external
stakeholders to develop policies and programs that support
healthy urban living. Projects have included facilitating energy
savings for households, businesses, and institutions, leveraging
federal and state funds to reduce municipal energy use, support
for green job training and placement, clean fuels, tree planting,
recycling, and much more.
The Newark Sustainability Action Plan was developed over a
year and a half of community engagement, including a series
of public meetings, in-depth interviews with City staff and
community leaders, and consultation with environmental
professionals at state and federal agencies. While the
publication of this Plan represents a milestone, the real test of
its success will be in its implementation phase. All members of
the Newark community are urged to get involved. Visit www.
sustainablenewarknj.org to learn more.
Graphic notes on a discussion at Newark’s Green Future Summit, September 2008.
Photo credit: Notes by Brandy Agerbeck; Image courtesy of the Apollo Alliance.
Children enjoy music at the opening festivities for the new Newark Riverfront
Park, July 2012. Photo credit: Damon Rich.

POLICY FRAMEWORK
The Newark Sustainability Action Plan provides an overarching
framework to organize the work of City staff, community
members and potential partners seeking to connect with
Newark's sustainability agenda. The Action Items in this Plan
advance four major policy goals:
1. Improved Public Pealth: Action Plan policies and
programs will seek to reduce the negative health impacts
associated with existing pollution, both outdoor and
indoor. They will minimize or mitigate new pollution
from public or private development. City agencies will
collaborate internally and with outside partners to
support well informed, precautionary decision-making on
Newark's environmental health issues.
2. Cost Savings: Action Plan policies and programs will
reduce costs for residents, businesses, and government by
improvingresourceconservation,efficiency,andstewardship.
Sustainability Action Plan initiatives will seek to identify and
pursue viable cost-saving opportunities across sectors.
3. Enhanced Quality of Life: Action Plan policies and
programs will enhance amenities such as trees, green
open spaces, healthy, energy efficient homes, “green” flood
control measures, and affordable fresh food. Sustainability
Action Plan programs will support and complement
neighborhood revitalization efforts including vacant lot
reclamation and rehabilitation of abandoned structures.
4. Expanded Green Economic Opportunity for
Newarkers: Action Plan policies and programs will
support job and business development with on-ramps
for Newark residents in the green economy. Action Plan
policies and programs will support increased demand
for goods and services that meet a local or regional
environmental need as well as the success of green Made
In Newark businesses.
PRINCIPLES
The way projects are designed and implemented can be just
as important to their success as the content of the projects
themselves. Newark's sustainability agenda includes a
commitment to the following guiding principles. These will be
applied to all policy development and program implementation
enacted under this Plan:
1. Leading by Example: Newark municipal government
willstrivetoimprovethesustainabilityofitsownoperations
as a first step toward advancing sustainability city-wide.
2. Environmental Justice: Everyone deserves to live,
work, and play in a healthy environment, regardless of
income, race, ethnicity, or place of origin. Sustainability
initiatives will put a priority on addressing the
environmental health needs of those who are most
vulnerable or currently most disproportionately burdened
with environmental health costs.
3. Local Economic Self-sufficiency: Making better use
of existing materials and resources can help generate
savings and income. Sustainability Action Plan initiatives
will promote strategies that make the local economy
stronger and more independent, and that generate widely
shared economic benefits.
4. Stakeholder Driven Policy-making: Those most
affected by policy outcomes should have a voice in shaping
the decisions. As the Sustainability Action Plan develops and
implements policy on particular topics, City staff will engage
those who might be affected to engage their participation.
This principle includes a commitment to training and
education opportunities in Environmental Literacy.
5. Connection to Community Development: A
healthy urban environment cannot exist separately from
healthy communities. The City’s sustainability program
will support community development efforts, including
neighborhood revitalization, vacant lot reclamation,
rehabilitation of vacant buildings and other physical
improvementprojects,and,mostimportantly,engagement
with neighborhood residents and institutions.
INTRODUCTION | 5
Activities such as zumba and yoga continue throughout the summer following the
opening of the new Newark Riverfront Park. Photo credit: Damon Rich.
In April 2011, over 75 Newarkers came out to talk with the Sustainability
team and consultants about their priorities for the Action Plan. In this photo,
Ironbound Communtiy Corporation Environmental and Planning Projects
Director, Ana Baptista, helps lead a break-out group on air quality. Photo credit:
Andrew Tucker.

6. Data and Research: A wealth of information and
best practices on environmental issues exist both within
and beyond Newark’s university system. Sustainability
Action Plan initiatives will seek out and draw from this
material to make well-informed decisions. This includes a
commitment to develop and maintain strong relationships
with partners at Newark research institutions.
7. Sustainable Relationships: Sustainability is in many
ways about cultivating more respectful relationships
between people and the environment, among groups of
people, and between today's people and future generations.
As we implement this Action Plan, we seek to embody and
encourage that value of respect in the ways we interact
as individuals, coworkers, community members, and
members of the global community.
PRIORITIES
To advance the policy goals outlined above, the Plan lays out
a series of Action Items, organized into six priority categories.
These categories were chosen because they each represent a
major system that affects the city's environment, health, and
economy. With an eye on feasibility, these areas were selected
because they address areas where City government exercises
some control and where staffing and funding exist to move the
agenda forward. The priority categories and Action Items in
the Plan are summarized below.
Air Quality
Poor air quality is linked to illnesses including asthma, lung
cancer, and heart disease. The Action Items in this category
seek to reduce the health impact of existing pollution, minimize
any new air pollution coming into the city, and enhance
partnerships and monitoring capacity to advance solutions
to air quality problems. Action Items in this category also
provide benefits for other categories including Greenhouse Gas
Emission reduction or Energy reduction.
• Convene an air quality taskforce to identify, monitor and
address health-harmful local sources of air pollution
• Develop and implement a Cumulative Impact Ordinance and
Zoning Amendments to minimize and mitigate new pollution
• Strengthen partnerships and advocacy work on major
emission sources
• Phase out use of Number 6 and Number 4 heating oil in
building boilers
• Roll out a "Green and Healthy Homes Initiative" for
Newark focused on homes with children with asthma
Energy
Using less energy from fossil fuels means cost reductions on
utility bills as well as environmental benefits. Since the City
owns and manages a number of buildings and vehicles, there
is a chance to lead by example with municipal operations. The
Action Items in this category commit to energy use reductions,
improved management of energy systems, promotion of
existing energy programs to the private sector, and support for
alternative energy generation.
• ReducetheCityofNewark’smunicipalenergyconsumption
by 20 percent over the next five years
• Facilitate energy savings for residential, commercial,
industrial, and institutional partners
• Explore and support clean energy alternatives and
distributed generation development
• Promote and enhance green building and design principles
for development projects
Recycling and Materials Management
Managing trash offers some of the most exciting opportunities
for sustainability gains in Newark. Much of the material that
is currently thrown away in Newark households, businesses,
public offices, and institutions has value. It can be reused or
recycled. Rather than paying to dispose of material in ways
that carry costs for the taxpayer, public health, and for the
environment, the City and its partners can begin to redirect that
material into new product lines and business development. The
Action Items in this category promote a “Zero Waste” approach
that says the value of our materials belongs in the community,
not in the trash.
• Develop and implement a Newark Zero Waste Strategy
• Double city-wide municipal recycling rate from 2010 levels
• Develop strategies for waste reduction and increased
recycling at commercial and institutional facilities
• Expand waste reduction and diversion for food and organics
• Develop and implement a Construction and Demolition
Waste Recycling Ordinance
• Develop and implement an Electronics Recycling program
• Grow and attract green businesses that upcycle materials
Stormwater Management and Community Greening
Newark's status as one of the country's oldest cities means that
it has inherited a large combined stormwater system. That
means the pipes that carry the city's sewer waste also carry
its rainwater. In heavy storms, that can lead to flooding and
discharge of waste water into the Passaic River. The City can
reduce flooding by developing green infrastructure: landscaped
earth and plantings that absorb stormwater throughout the
city and release it very slowly into the sewer system. The Action
Items in this category expand the role of green infrastructure in
managing the city's stormwater.
This section also includes a major new initiative to expand and
maintain Newark's tree canopy. Trees absorb GHG; they also
help with air pollution, energy use, stormwater management,
and neighborhood greening.
• Launch a high-profile campaign to put Newark on track
to double its tree canopy and establish a stable source of
revenue for tree maintenance

• Implement new Newark Stormwater Ordinance and
develop green infrastructure policy
• DevelopgreeninfrastructurestandardsforCitycapitalprojects
• Identifyandimplementatleast10pilotgreeninfrastructure
projects over the next five years
• Develop a stormwater infrastructure bank and explore
options for funding stormwater improvements through
fees on impermeable surfaces
• Support neighborhood-based rain capture projects
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions affects
health and well-being all over the planet with increased
incidence of droughts, floods, severe storms, heat waves, and
rising sea levels. These global trends pose particular threats
for cities like Newark. Already one of the hottest spots on the
eastern seaboard, Newark can be expected to get even hotter
in the coming years. The Actions Items in this section aim
to improve local government capacity to track Greenhouse
Gas (GHG) emissions, encourage GHG mitigation in private
development projects, and reduce GHG emissions associated
with City operations.
• Promote GHG reduction within City operations and in
City-supported private projects
• Capture and track GHG reductions associated with Action
Items in this Plan
• Work with North Jersey Transportation Planning
Authority (NJTPA) to refine existing GHG inventory for
Newark sectors, determine tools for tracking GHG for
City and key sectors, and participate in NJTPA’s GHG
mitigation workgroup
• Work with priority sectors (e.g. Port and Port related,
PVSC, large buildings and institutions) to advance GHG
reduction goals
Healthy Food Access
One of the most basic measures of health and wellness in a
community is the way that community nourishes itself. Food
justice refers to the idea that everyone has the right to access
healthy, affordable, safe, culturally appropriate food. A healthy
food system celebrates the diversity of culinary traditions
among community members, and enables them to meet their
nutritional needs with dignity. The Action Items in this category
put in motion the dynamics required to build a healthier, more
just food system in Newark.
• Establish a city-wide Newark Food Policy Council
• Support successful, affordable Farmers Markets in each ward
• Stimulate urban agriculture on vacant public land
• Educate and engage youth in transforming Newark's food
environment, including increasing food literacy and food
education, and promoting healthy corner stores near schools
• Increase Made In Newark food sales at bodegas and
food outlets
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
The Sustainability Action Plan has been developed with
implementation in mind. Each Action Item comes with its own
implementation details, including target deadlines, staffing,
funding, and tracking information.
Other key elements of implementation for this Plan include:
Interdepartmental Municipal Taskforces—Most of the
actions in this Plan require cooperation from more than one
City agency. The Mayor's office and the Sustainability Office
will co-convene several interdepartmental taskforces to ensure
that City staff understand and “own” the sustainability agenda.
Areas of focus include energy, air quality, stormwater, food
policy, and sustainable economic development.
Sustainability Presentations to Boards and Council—
The Environmental Commission and the Sustainability Office
will collaborate to present information on environmental
justice, cumulative impact, and sustainability goals to the
Municipal Council and members of the Central Planning
Board and Board of Adjustments. This will help foster greater
awareness of the impact of land use policy and other municipal
regulations on environmental health for Newark residents.
Partnerships with Universities—Newark is blessed
with academic resources that could inform municipal
sustainability work. The Sustainability Office will cultivate
formal relationships with Newark's universities to advance
city-wide Sustainability goals. Projects may include air quality
monitoring, stormwater infrastructure detail, green building
assistance, or participation in discussions about clean tech,
energy infrastructure, green business growth, and sustainable
economic development.
Engagement with Neighborhoods—The success of
Newark's sustainability agenda should be determined by the
extent to which it supports a healthy, affordable, economically
stable environment where people can live and raise their
families. Involvement of residents, neighborhood associations,
community development groups, and neighborhood based
institutions and businesses are essential to the success of
the Newark Sustainability Action Plan. The Sustainability
Office will support City efforts on neighborhood stabilization,
engagement, and empowerment.
Taskforce on Sustainable Economy—One of the most
important aspects of this Plan is the potential it offers for
increasing job and business opportunities for Newarkers in
the sustainable economy. By setting clear policies and boosting
demandforgreengoodsandservices,theworkperformedunder
this Plan will grow demand for workers and entrepreneurs in
the sustainable economy. To prepare for and take advantage
of these opportunities, the City has already begun working
INTRODUCTION | 7

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN TIMELINE
CONVENING OF SUSTAINABLE
ECONOMY TASKFORCE
WINTER 2013 SPRING 2013 SUMMER 2013 FALL 2013
PLAN LAUNCH
MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDER
TO INTRODUCE PLAN
PARTNERSHIP OUTREACH
STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS
ON SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS
REPORT BACK ON PROGRESS
with a technical assistance provider with support from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We intend to
use that work as a springboard for a Sustainable Economy
taskforce, which will meet quarterly to assess and promote
green economic opportunities for Newark residents.
The following schedule is intended to support successful
implementation of the plan overall.
• Plan Launch: Winter 2013—The City, Environmental
Commission, and partners announce the release of the
Newark Sustainability Action Plan to the public and the
media. Sustainability Action Plan is posted on Newark
Sustainability Office webpage.
• Meetings with Stakeholders to Introduce Plan: Winter
2013—Sustainability Office staff and Environmental
Commissioners provide a summary of the plan to a
wide range of groups including business associations,
community-based organizations, houses of worship and
civic associations.
• Partnership Outreach: Winter 2013—Many resources
for advancing Newark's sustainability agenda already
exist in or near the city. Targeted outreach to universities
and schools, state and federal agencies, major business
and infrastructure entities, and community-based
organizations will build partnerships to support
implementation of Action Items.
• Stakeholder Meetings on Specific Action Items: Spring -
Summer 2013—These will be working meetings to advance
particular actions, for example, a group may gather to
identify hotspots for truck idling and create a map.
• Convening of Sustainable Economy Taskforce: Spring -
Summer 2013—This group will meet quarterly to identify
opportunities, resources, gaps, and industry sectors that
advance the goal of expanded economic opportunity in the
sustainable economy.
• Report-back on Progress: Fall 2013and annually thereafter
Be part of the implementation of this Plan! Contact us at www.
SustainableNwk.org, by phone at 973.733.6575, by email
at info@SustainableNwk.org, or stop by an Environmental
Commission meeting on the first Wednesday of each month at
6:30 p.m. in Newark City Hall room 304 to learn more.

INTRODUCTION | 9
PUBLIC SPACE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND URBAN DESIGN
The quality and design of Newark’s public spaces, streets, sidewalks, and parks can contribute
to a healthy and sustainable city. Newark is a walking city, a bus and train city.According to
the U.S. Census, more than four in 10 Newark households do not own a car, and find other
ways to get around. For these reasons, Newarkers produce less greenhouse gas per capita
than your average American.While this has been true for decades, it has also been the case
that the design of the city’s primary public spaces has skewed towards the convenience of cars.
Sustainable urban design can rebalance the needs and convenience of drivers with walkers and
riders by making streets and sidewalks safe and welcoming places for walking and civic life.
• In 2012, with funding from the Urban Enterprise Zone, Newark began renovations along
four important commercial corridors, replacing sidewalks, street furniture, crosswalks,
and traffic equipment on portions of Clinton Avenue, South Orange Avenue, Broadway,
and Mount Prospect Avenue (including a new bicycle path).
• In 2009, Mayor Booker revived the Newark Public Art Program. Since then, through its
This Is Newark! project the City has partnered with arts organizations,community-based
organizations, artists, and young people to produce thirteen large-scale public artworks,
celebrating the city and creating more welcoming and alluring public spaces.
• As part of the construction of Riverfront Park,the City will conduct a one-year test of a“road
diet” on Raymond Boulevard in the Ironbound to see if a narrower roadway can accommodate
car traffic while making it easier for pedestrians to cross the street to the new park.
• Efforts are underway to increase the amount of green space in and around Newark’s
streets by developing small green plazas on traffic triangles and“gateways” neighborhoods.
This will help manage stormwater and diminish sewer overflows.
• The City and Newark Downtown District have installed dozens of benches around
downtown Newark, inviting everyone to take a minute to rest and enjoy the sights.
• The City is launching a Newark Tree Fund to install and help maintain a healthy tree
canopy in Newark neighborhoods to improve the air and keep cool in the summer.
To learn more, visit www.thisisnewark.wordpress.com.
This mural of Newark’s riverfront is part of a City-wide initiative to promote public art that reflects local stories and experiences. Photo credit: Damon Rich.
INTRODUCTION | 9

Air Quality
PRIORITY ONE

AIR QUALITY | 11
VISION
Newark will take action to understand and improve the relationship between air quality and
human health in all city neighborhoods.The City will work with community partners,state and
federal agencies, researchers, health professionals, and the business community to mitigate
existing sources of air pollution, with priority on the types of pollution most dangerous to
human health. New development projects will be required to meet performance standards
for air quality so they do not add to the cumulative impact of air pollution affecting the city.
In Newark's sustainable future, children will not face a disproportionate health burden from
air pollution relative to their counterparts state-wide.
CHALLENGES
Newark’s air quality is among the worst in New Jersey,due to a combination of factors.A dense
transit network that includes seaport, airport, trains and several highways, concentration of
industrial uses, the region’s processing facilities for waste and wastewater, high volumes of
diesel trucks traveling through residential areas, and older building stock all contribute to air
quality problems.Air pollution is linked to increased illness and death from problems such
as asthma, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. According to the Coalition for Healthy
Ports, more Newark residents die from illnesses associated with air pollution than from gun
violence in Newark every year.The various pollution sources contribute to a total cumulative
impact that can be more dangerous to human health than any one pollutant alone.The EPA
has designated Newark as an “Environmental Justice Community of Concern” as a result of
these factors.
ACTION SUMMARY
• Convene an air quality taskforce to identify, monitor and address health-harmful local
sources of air pollution
• Develop and implement a Cumulative Impact Ordinance and Zoning Amendments to
minimize and mitigate new pollution
• Strengthen partnerships and advocacy work on major emission sources
• Phase out use of Number 6 and Number 4 heating oil in building boilers
• Roll out a “Green and Healthy Homes Initiative” for Newark focused on homes with
children with asthma

Action Item 1:
CONVENE AN AIR QUALITY TASKFORCE TO IDENTIFY,
MONITOR, AND ADDRESS HEALTH-HARMFUL LOCAL
SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
An Air Quality Taskforce convened by the City of Newark
would bring together community members, researchers, health
professionals, state and federal agency staff, and advocates to
develop and implement strategies for measuring and improving
air quality. The Taskforce would:
• Review available research on the relationship between
air pollution and health outcomes and identify top
priority pollutants
• Create and implement an ambient air monitoring system
to capture neighborhood-level information on ambient
concentrations of these pollutants
• Recommend policy and program changes to reduce
the health impact of air pollution, with priority on
neighborhoods with the highest concentration of air
pollution-related health problems
• Provide information on air pollution to the Environmental
Commission for inclusion in a city-wide Environmental
Resources Inventory
This taskforce approach brings together a number of players
already working on air pollution in Newark from a variety of
angles. Environmental Justice activists regularly highlight the
link between air pollution and human health through activities
such as truck counts, community air monitoring projects,
participation in the Coalition for Healthy Ports, and advocacy
work through the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance.
Organizations such as Ironbound Community Corporation,
Clean Water Fund, and the Weequahic Park Association have
decades of experience organizing residents around air quality
issues. Researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry
of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Rutgers University, and Drew
University study the impact of air pollution on human health.
DID YOU KNOW?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) develops the National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) which
provide a benchmark for six criteria
pollutants considered harmful to public
health and the environment.According
to the EPA, Essex County does not meet
the standards for particulate matter
(2.5 microns or smaller) and ozone.To
track New Jersey‘s air quality, the N.J.
Department of Environmental Protection
(NJDEP) maintains 38 air quality-monitoring
stations throughout the state, one of which
is located in the City of Newark.
DID YOU KNOW?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) develops the National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) which
provide a benchmark for six criteria
pollutants considered harmful to public
health and the environment.According
to the EPA, Essex County does not meet
the standards for particulate matter
(2.5 microns or smaller) and ozone.To
track New Jersey‘s air quality, the N.J.
Department of Environmental Protection
(NJDEP) maintains 38 air quality-monitoring
stations throughout the state, one of which
is located in the City of Newark.

AIR QUALITY | 13
New Jersey has a range of professionals dedicated to the study
of asthma. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
andthe N.J.Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
have offices responsible for air quality monitoring, regulatory
compliance for major emission sources, and research on
stationary, mobile, and indoor air quality issues. The NJDEP’s
“Stop the Soot” campaign works with communities to reduce
the impact of diesel pollution and Particulate Matter. Each
of these entities has something valuable to contribute to the
conversation in Newark about how to reduce the health impacts
of air pollution. Bringing them together will provide a stronger
base from which to develop effective policy and programs.
One key responsibility for the taskforce will be developing
recommendations for an air quality monitoring system that
captures neighborhood-level ambient air quality information.
The existing monitoring capacity in Newark currently provides
regional-level information. Newark hosts one of 38 air quality
monitoring stations set up throughout New Jersey by the NJDEP,
on a firehouse on Clinton Avenue in the city’s South Ward. (For
information about this, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/baqp/.)
Although the EPA/NJDEP monitoring station is very helpful,
it does not provide a fine-grained picture of ambient air
quality throughout Newark’s various neighborhoods. Creating
a baseline and understanding how air quality differs from
place to place within Newark will help inform more effective
mitigation programs and policies. To gather this information
about local ambient air quality, Newark will need to establish
a network of smaller monitoring stations or efforts in various
locations throughout the city.
Full-scale ambient air quality monitoring stations are
expensive to establish and maintain. As a result it will be
important for the taskforce to consider the most cost-effective
ways to monitor air quality that still produce information
that can inform good policy and drive improved outcomes.
Focusing on a few key measures may be one way to keep costs
down. Collecting information on temperature, wind speed and
direction, and concentration of particulate matter (2.5 microns
or smaller) would allow the taskforce to form a better pictures
of where particulate matter concentrations and heat island
effect are within the city. (“Heat island” refers to the hot air
formed over urban concrete in the summer. In hot air, particles
tend to form pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter
[PM] at a faster rate, worsening air quality.) Decisions about
the type of monitoring system deployed should be governed by
the policy goal of protecting human health. In particular, the
monitoring system should help determine types and/or sources
of health-harmful pollution and correlations with certain types
of industrial activities, land uses or vehicular traffic.
The information collected by monitors must also be analyzed.
This will take resources and expertise as well as community
participation. This Action Item recommends two approaches
for analyzing the results of the monitoring system:
• Establish formal, ongoing relationships with researchers
at universities in coordination with EPA and NJDEP staff
and community members. This is a great example of how
the City and its universities can work more closely together.
There are a number of local colleges and universities
with interest and capabilities in research, public health,
science, and social justice that may be open to assisting in
setting up and analyzing data from monitoring stations.
Representatives from these institutions should be invited
to participate in the taskforce. The City of Newark should
engage in scoping and joint fundraising with universities
to obtain resources for the projects.
WHATISPARTICULATEMATTER?
“Particulate matter,” also known as particle
pollution or PM, is a complex mixture
of extremely small particles and liquid
droplets. Particle pollution is made up of
a number of components, including acids
(such as nitrates and sulfates), organic
chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles.
The size of particles is directly linked to
their potential for causing health problems.
The EPA is concerned about particles that
are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller
because those are the particles that
generally pass through the throat and nose
and enter the lungs. Once inhaled, these
particles can affect the heart and lungs and
cause serious health effects. EPA groups
particle pollution into two categories:
• “Inhalable coarse particles,” such
as those found near roadways and
dusty industries, are larger than 2.5
micrometers and smaller than 10
micrometers in diameter.
• “Fine particles,” such as those found in
smoke and haze, are 2.5 micrometers in
diameter and smaller.These particles can
be directly emitted from sources such as
forest fires, or they can form when gases
emitted from power plants, industries
and automobiles react in the air.
—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Action Item 2: REDUCE DIESEL POLLUTION FROM TRUCKS AND
OTHER VEHICLES
• Engage Newark high school students in neighborhood-
level air monitoring work. Air quality affects young
people disproportionately. Understanding that impact
and being part of a process that helps address it would
serve as a valuable educational opportunity for Newark
youth. The taskforce could reach out to high schools
to invite participation in research projects performed
in collaboration community organizations, university
staff, or staff from EPA or NJDEP. The information
collected through these participatory processes should
be collected by the Sustainability Office and provided to
the Environmental Commission for use in creating the
Environmental Resources Inventory described below.
The air quality taskforce should develop a budget for the air
sampling stations and monitoring work based upon the level
of data that will be required to develop a neighborhood-level
picture of the concentrations and sources of air pollution
most closely tied to human health impacts. A significant
level of funding for this will be required and can come from a
variety of sources, including grants to the City, to community
organizations, to colleges and universities and from impact
fees from new development.
The taskforce should present its findings to the Environmental
Commission. The City of Newark’s Sustainability Office will
be responsible for integrating recommendations from the
taskforce into City policy and program work with advice from
the Newark Environmental Commission.
A large body of research points to the health hazards associated
with exposure to diesel exhaust, especially from older trucks.
Newark has many sources of diesel pollution. Major and
minor highways criss-cross the city, carrying a continual flow
of traffic. The seaport and airport activities involve the use
of heavy diesel-fueled equipment and vehicles. Of particular
concern is the exhaust from diesel trucks. Trucks often idle for
hours a day at multi-modal transfer facilities and distribution
centers at the Port. Smaller delivery trucks serving the city’s
industrial and commercial properties drive and idle through
residential neighborhoods of the city. The cumulative impact
of all these trucks contributes to health problems, especially for
those living, working, or going to school near major sources.
An idling truck consumes approximately 0.8 gallons of fuel
for each hour of idling, according to the EPA (A Glance at
Clean Freight Strategies: Idle Reduction, February 2004,
EPA420-F-04-009). Idling also expels other pollutants
including particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, various
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. These pollutants
adversely affect both workers and residents, contributing to
increased rates of illnesses and death in the community. The
World Health Organization recently classified diesel pollution
as a carcinogen, putting it on par with second-hand smoke.
Newark should look at diesel pollution as a health hazard and
take aggressive steps to reduce emissions from trucks and
other vehicles. The strategy may include:
• Improved enforcement of existing Anti-Idling Laws, Truck
RouterulesandtheStateexecutiveorderondieselmitigation
• Expansion of diesel retrofit programs
• Expansion of plug-in and shore power technologies at
warehouses and distribution centers and exploration of
electrified truck stop for independent contractors
• Facilitation of upgrades to cleaner vehicles for City-owned
or City-subsidized fleets
• Land Use and Zoning rules that increase the efficiency of
truck travel and minimize impact of diesel emissions on
vulnerable populations
ANTI-IDLING AND TRUCK ROUTE ENFORCEMENT
New Jersey has a law on the books prohibiting vehicles from
idling their engines for longer than 3 minutes. There is also
a State executive order mandating retrofit of public vehicles.
WHAT IS HEAT ISLAND EFFECT?
The term “heat island” describes built up
areas that are hotter than nearby rural
areas. Heat islands can affect communities
by increasing summertime peak energy
demand, air conditioning costs, air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,
heat-related illness and mortality, and
water quality.
WHAT IS HEAT ISLAND EFFECT?
The term “heat island” describes built up
areas that are hotter than nearby rural
areas. Heat islands can affect communities
by increasing summertime peak energy
demand, air conditioning costs, air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,
heat-related illness and mortality, and
water quality.
According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), for every gallon
of diesel fuel burned, 22.2 pounds of carbon
dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere.

AIR QUALITY | 15
Newark has locally designated truck routes designed to keep
heavy truck traffic away from residential areas. All these rules
are tools that communities and the City can use to reduce
health impacts of diesel pollution. Improved enforcement is a
key starting point for realizing the benefits of these rules.
One barrier to enforcement can be lack of awareness among
local agency staff about the anti-idling law. In particular,
a feature of the State law makes it possible for fines from
idling tickets to be redirected back to the enforcement
agency to off-set the cost of enforcement. The City of Newark
Sustainability Office and NJDEP should work with the Newark
Police Department and the Director of Neighborhood and
Recreational Services to offer trainings for precinct captains
and code enforcement personnel. Trainings should cover the
nuts and bolts of ticketing for idling offenses and recouping
the costs through fines. Training should be focused first in
precincts where idling is a problem identified by residents and
community organizations. Anti-idling enforcement strategies
used in other communities where staff and resources are scarce
should inform the trainings. These may include deployment of
cameras in “hotspots” to conserve staff time. The possibility of
training and deploying special officers may also be explored.
Community organizations and concerned residents can play
an important role in identifying places where trucks and buses
frequently idle. Idling that takes place close to residential areas
or next to institutions such as daycares, schools, or healthcare
facilities is particularly problematic. One approach for engaging
the community in gathering information about hotspots
is for the Environmental Commission and Sustainability
Office staff to put out a call for snapshots or reports of idling
offenses to be collected during a specific advertised period of
time. Samples can be provided to facilitate participation by
a wide range of community organizations and residents. The
results should be collected and reviewed at an Environmental
Commission meeting. Based on the results of this activity, the
Environmental Commission and Sustainability Office staff can
create a map. Information from this map would become part of
the Environmental Resources Inventory discussed below.
Once hotspots are identified, the City of Newark, in
partnership with NJDEP, should reach out to property owners
to seek cooperation in deploying “No Idling” signs that
include instructions to the public on how to call in offenses.
Sustainability staff should ensure that City employees at the
4311 hotline are trained in how to field and refer complaints
from residents about truck idling or route violations. Outreach
material should stress that New Jersey law allows both property
owners and vehicle owners to be fined for idling offenses.
The Sustainability Office together with the Environmental
Commission, partner community organizations, and the NJDEP
should explore developing an education and outreach campaign
targeting truck drivers, fleet owners, and owners of warehouse
and distribution centers. This effort may include mailings, direct
distribution of brochures, and volunteer time spent on outreach
at popular idling spots. Materials should educate truck drivers
about the health dangers to themselves and the community of
idling or violating truck route rules, and communicate the laws
and the enforcement policy to drivers, distribution centers and
fleet owners. Consideration should be given to increasing the
penalties above the New Jersey statutes to create a stronger
deterrent in the “hotspot” or with repeat offenders.
New Jersey’s Idling Laws are fairly restrictive compared to
the national average. Many states limit idling to 5 minutes in
duration, while some states extend allowable limits up to 15
minutes. Fines range from warnings for a first offense, to no
greater than $1,000 for subsequent offenses; most fines range
between $50 and $150.
NEW JERSEY IDLING
REGULATIONS
Maximum IdlingTime: 3 minutes (15
minutes if stopped for 3 hours or more
when temperatures are less than 25
degrees Fahrenheit)
Fines: $100 for first offense, $200
for second, $500 for third, $1,500 for
fourth and subsequent offenses (NJAC
7:27A3.10(m)14)
Penalties: For commercial vehicle and
property owner: $250 for first violation,
$500 for second, $1,000 for third and each
subsequent offense.
Exceptions:
• Traffic Conditions
• Mechanical Operations
• Waiting or being inspected
• Performing emergency services
• Being repaired or serviced
• Auxiliary power unit/generator set,
bunk heaters; etc.
• Sleeper berth with 2007 or newer
engine or diesel particulate filter
—New Jersey Administrative Code Title 7, CH. 27-14-3.

16 | NEWARK SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN16 | NEWARK SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
DIESEL MITIGATION RESOURCES
National
The Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation has been
encouraging truck stop electrification (TSE) through Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
(CMAQ) funds.While it appears these funds are not available for private development, with
the rising cost of fuel private ventures for truck stop electrification are becoming more
financially viable.
The EPA has had partnerships between various freight industry sectors in establishing
incentives for fuel efficiency improvements and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. One
of the three primary components of the program identifies the reduction of all unnecessary
engine idling (www.epa.gov/smartway).
The Clean Cities Program is part of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s
(EERE’s)VehicleTechnologies Program of the U.S.Department of Energy (DOE).Their website
provides a summary of federal and state idle reduction programs, incentives and financing
alternatives available. www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/incentives_laws.html.
Federal ExciseTax Exemption—In the Energy Improvement and ExtensionAct (EIEA) of 2008
(PL 110-343), Section 206 excludes certain idling reduction devices and advanced insulation
from the federal excise tax.This law amends section 4053 of the Internal Revenue Code.
EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program’s (DERA) competitive grant opportunities: http://
www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/grantfund.htm.
The EPA also provides localities with guidance documents on reducing diesel pollution.
These include:
• Tips for a Successful Diesel Retrofit Project: http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/tools/tips-
for-success.htm
• Cleaner Diesels: Low Cost Ways to Reduce Emissions from Construction Equipment:
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/documents/100r07002.pdf
• NEDCModelContractSpecifications:http://northeastdiesel.org/pdf/NEDC-Construction-
Contract-Spec.pdf
State
N.J. Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Stop the Soot campaign (www.
stopthesoot.org) provides signs and citizen tickets at cost and has already funded staff that is
available to assist localities with implementation of anti-idling efforts.
Local
The Idle ReductionTechnology Grant through the New JerseyTrucker’s Challenge,established
by the NJDEP, provides funding for the purchase or installation of idle reduction equipment
used in New Jersey-based heavy-duty diesel trucks. Eligible equipment includes Auxiliary
Power Units (APUs) and other emissions reductions technologies.The program pays for 50
percent of the cost of an APU up to a maximum of $4,500.The New Jersey Motor Truck
Association administers the program.

AIR QUALITY | 17
DIESEL RETROFIT EXPANSION
New diesel vehicles must meet stringent emissions standards,
while older diesel engines emit high levels of pollution and
can operate for decades before being replaced. New Jersey’s
Diesel Retrofit Law was passed in 2005 to address this issue by
mandating the use of emission control technology on certain
older vehicles and equipment. Required retrofits ranged from
diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to diesel oxidation catalysts
(DOCs) and other tailpipe attachments that filter pollutants.
The intent of this regulation is to target vehicles that have a
large operational presence, reducing harmful diesel exhaust
affecting cumulative air pollution. The law mandates that the
following vehicles be retrofitted with emission control systems:
garbage trucks that are publicly or privately-owned, New
Jersey Transit buses, privately owned commercial buses, and
publicly owned heavy-duty on-road and non-road vehicles.
There is no cost to cities to install the emission control
technology or what has been labeled ‘BART’—the best available
retrofit technology. New Jersey contracts with authorized
installers eligible to perform the retrofit and reimbursing
them for installation costs. A list of authorized retailers can
be found here: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/stopthesoot/
Authorized%20Installer%20Chart.pdf.
The Diesel Retrofit Law is implemented by the Mandatory
Diesel Retrofit Program, with which the City of Newark
currently complies. To date, there have been 33 solid waste
collection vehicles retrofitted with a diesel emissions control
device. In addition, the NJDEP is currently reviewing the
City of Newark’s request to retrofit a total of 108 on-road and
off-road diesel vehicles (as per the timelines established in
the regulations). Newark has been an active and responsive
participant in this program. (Private haulers contracted by the
City should also comply with the retrofit rules. This is discussed
further in the section on municipal fleets below.)
Expanding the uptake rate of diesel retrofit in the private
sector could have substantial health benefits if the reach of the
program were sufficiently large. Current laws do not require
most private trucks to undergo retrofits. The air quality
taskforce may wish to consider scoping projects that provide
incentives or otherwise facilitate diesel retrofits for delivery
trucks, trucks that serve the port, and trucks that refuel at
Newark gas stations. These upgrades can be made mandatory
for companies receiving City incentives.
NJDEPrequiresoffsetpaymentsforprojectsseekingairpermits
that exceed threshold emission levels for certain pollutants.
The agency also collects fines for violations of requirements
associated with air permits. Both types of payments can serve
as potential funding sources for diesel pollution mitigation in
Newark, to the extent that the mitigation projects meet the
agency’s requirements. The City should work with NJDEP staff
and local businesses to develop projects that are pre-approved
by NJDEP as eligible for offset or compliance-related projects.
By linking offset and penalty payment funds to well-vetted
mitigation projects, the City and NJDEP can build a resource
base to address some of the most intractable air pollution
problems in Newark.
FACILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Technology exists that allows trucks waiting at loading docks,
commercial truck stops, distribution centers, and warehouses to
turn off their engines while still running internal climate control
systems and keeping the engines warm. These generally consist
of plug-in stations—termed “shore power”—that run on electricity
from nearby buildings. Keeping the engines off eliminates
needless consumption of diesel fuel and reduces air pollution.
Many state-of-the-art distribution centers now provide shore
power connections at loading docks to run truck electrical
systems, refrigeration, and climate control. At commercial
truck stops, where trucks often idle during rest and waiting
periods, the shore power stations can be elaborate, providing
telephone, Internet and cable television in addition to the
electrical power, as well as a means to pay via credit card.
At distribution centers, the provision of shore power requires
the installation of electrical outlets at the exterior of all loading
docks and running a power supply to these outlets. Since power
is already provided at the loading docks to operate the overhead
door and dock leveling equipment, the expense is minimal.
The cost of the electrical power supplied to the truck is offset
by reduced fuel consumption for facilities that own their own
A BETTER TRUCK STOP
At commercial truck stops, where
trucks often idle during rest and waiting
periods, shore power stations can provide
telephone, Internet and cable television in
addition to electrical power. For example,
IdleAir, a commercial service found at
truck stops throughout the country,
allows truck drivers to turn off their
diesel engines and still enjoy heat, cooling,
standard electric inside and outside the
cab, and many more of the comforts of
home—all while saving money and getting
better sleep without the noise, vibration
and exhaust from idling.

fleets. The City should consider developing and implementing
an outreach campaign targeting owners of distribution centers
to make them aware of the technology for both shore power and
cleaner trucks and to provide them with information about any
incentives or rebates available to offset the cost of upgrades.
In addition to outreach and channeling information about
rebates, Newark can promote these technologies by adopting
revisions to the city’s Zoning Ordinance directed at new
facilities with multiple loading docks and at new truck stops.
These facilities should be required to include shore power
capacity in Site Plans in order to obtain Site Plan approval.
Enforcement would be implemented through the permit,
application and review process associated with planning and
zoning approvals. Installations should include signage in
English and Spanish to ensure that all drivers are made aware
that the facility has a no idling policy and that shore power
is available. These standards can also be applied to facilities
receiving City incentive packages.
As discussed in more depth below, the City of Newark
participated in a collaborative process to develop the Clean
Air Strategy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
(PANYNJ). The document incorporates a commitment to
exploring upgrades, including shore power, to reduce emissions
associated with idling trucks, ships, and cargo equipment
at the Port. Some warehouses have already been upgraded
on a voluntary basis. The City should re-engage with both
PANYNJ and with Port tenants to assess progress to date on
plan implementation and identify next steps. Expanding shore
power is one possible joint initiative within the partnerships
and agreements discussed there.
Anotherpossibleprojectpromotedbyadvocatesandmentioned
in the Clean Air Strategy involves the allocation of resources to
developing an electrified truck stop for independent truckers
equipped with shore power capability. These contractors
drive some of the oldest trucks at the Port and have very few
resources available to upgrade to cleaner technology because
of low pay scales associated with federal labor classification
status that prevents them from joining a union. Developing
an electrified truck stop would improve both air quality and
working conditions for these workers. Identifying resources
and real estate for such a project would take time, but may
serve as a point of discussion between the City and PANYNJ.
FACILITATION OF UPGRADE TO CLEANER VEHICLES FOR
CITY-OWNED AND SUBSIDIZED FLEETS
The City of Newark provides development support to a variety
of projects, including some with truck intensive uses. To
the extent that the City is providing tax abatement or other
business assistance to a project that involves trucking, it should
consider incorporating minimum emissions standards into its
support package. In addition, the City can channel information
about rebates for alternate fuel programs, diesel retrofits, and
other emission reduction strategies to private fleet owners
through direct mail, brochures, and materials distributed in
collaboration with Brick City Development Corporation. Since
these programs often generate savings for private fleet owners
in terms of fuel costs, they may be considered a business
benefit.
CITY FLEETS
Newark owns and operates a large fleet of vehicles used to
provide essential services to residents. The fleet of more than
1,400 vehicles is comprised of police cars, sanitation trucks, and
fire trucks, ranging in age, make, model, and fuel type. Records
indicate that the City spends a significant amount of money to
power these vehicles; an estimated $2.5 million was spent on
gasoline and diesel fuel in 2010. In addition to the monetary
cost, these vehicles adversely affect the air quality in Newark.
TheCityofNewarkcanandshouldreduceitscostsforfuel,along
with associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,
and at the same time set an example to the public and the
private sector about the value of fuel efficiency and air pollution
reduction. The Fleets Taskforce will generate and oversee
implementation of recommendations to shift the City fleet
toward procurement of fuel efficient vehicles, car lease or car
share arrangements to reduce unnecessary driving, compliance
with State law on diesel retrofits, and alternate fuel strategies.
In particular, the sanitation fleet which relies on diesel fuel and
runs exclusively through residential neighborhoods should be
prioritized for upgrade to Compressed Natural Gas fuel.
Possible cleaner fuel upgrades for all City vehicles include:
Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles can offer large savings in annual fuel cost, while
also boasting vehicle procurement prices that are equivalent
to that of conventional models. Though electric vehicles are
currently more expensive upfront than are gasoline-powered
machines, they offer the potential to save significant sums of
money over time, in fuel and maintenance savings. By some
estimates, electric vehicles may be 40 percent to 70 percent
less expensive to operate, depending on gasoline prices and
distance traveled each year. The Sustainability Action Plan
encourages the Newark Department of Motors to consider
The impact of electrifying one truck
dock can provide nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
reductions equal to removing about 300
cars and light trucks, from the road.
—EPRI AUGUST 2004, ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION

AIR QUALITY | 19
ESTIMATED DIESEL PARTICULATE RISK IN NEW JERSEY FROM MOBILE SOURCES
While progress across New Jersey continues to be made in reducing air pollution from diesel powered mobile sources, the 2020 map reveals that there are still areas
projected to have high risk and thus further actions are needed to reduce that risk. Source: N.J. Department of Environmental Protection
Diesel Particulate Risk
Under 10 times benchmark
10 – 50 times benchmark
Maps are based on 2005 NATA concentrations and California risk factor.The 2020
estimates were developed by scaling the 2005 concentrations using state-level emission
changes between 2005 and 2020.
2005 2020

purchasing hybrid or electric vehicles for City personnel driving
mainly in municipal boundaries. Beyond the potential to reduce
government expenses, such an action would capture public
attention and set a precedent of environmental consciousness.
Electric Vehicles
Capacity to charge electric passenger vehicles may make sense
in certain locations and for certain purposes in Newark. In
particular, if the City determines that moving forward with
leasing or purchasing electric cars for code enforcement or
other City uses makes financial sense, charging stations in
the City employee lot could facilitate this improvement. Other
possible strategic locations include airport taxi stands and
large downtown garages.
The City of Newark is home to several Edison ‘ParkFast’
locations, which house electric vehicle charging stations. It
would be beneficial for the City of Newark to partner with
Edison Parking to use their existing charging stations for
electric vehicles, giving government employees easy access in
multiple locations.
Compressed Natural Gas
Newark already has two stations for Compressed Natural
Gas (CNG)—one at the Covanta incinerator and another at
the airport. These fueling stations allow heavy-duty vehicles
that would otherwise run on diesel fuel to use CNG which is
cleaner-burning and (for now) much less costly. CNG may
CITY AND REGIONAL
BUS CONVERSIONS AND
EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
In addition to trucks,buses are an important
component in improving air quality.A
Drew University report completed in
June 2011 analyzed and compared the air
pollution generated from traffic in Newark’s
Ironbound community with that of
suburban Madison,NJ.It concluded that the
Ironbound neighborhood has a 40 percent
higher than average level of particulate
matter air pollution than Madison.The study
identified that the highest levels of pollution
correlated with high truck and bus traffic in
the sample area.These spikes in pollution
included black carbon,particulate matter
(2.5 microns or smaller) and ultrafine
particulates,all of which have a negative
impact on residents’ health.Since 2009,NJ
Transit has been engaged in the purchase
of 250 suburban buses and 895 transit
buses,replacing existing bus equipment
with newer clean technology diesel vehicles.
The outcome of the Drew University study
strongly recommended that the City retrofit
public transit buses with greener technology
in order to immediately begin lessening the
particulates emitted into the air and improve
the health of the city’s neighborhoods.
The City of Newark should consider
engaging in discussions with NJ Transit to
focus a high priority for the deployment
of new clean technology diesel buses, and
any planned retrofits, on routes that pass
through areas significantly affected by
cumulative air quality issues with particular
focus on routes in close proximity to
schools and residential neighborhoods.
CITY AND REGIONAL
BUS CONVERSIONS AND
EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
In addition to trucks,buses are an important
component in improving air quality.A
Drew University report completed in
June 2011 analyzed and compared the air
pollution generated from traffic in Newark’s
Ironbound community with that of
suburban Madison,NJ.It concluded that the
Ironbound neighborhood has a 40 percent
higher than average level of particulate
matter air pollution than Madison.The study
identified that the highest levels of pollution
correlated with high truck and bus traffic in
the sample area.These spikes in pollution
included black carbon,particulate matter
(2.5 microns or smaller) and ultrafine
particulates,all of which have a negative
impact on residents’ health.Since 2009,NJ
Transit has been engaged in the purchase
of 250 suburban buses and 895 transit
buses,replacing existing bus equipment
with newer clean technology diesel vehicles.
The outcome of the Drew University study
strongly recommended that the City retrofit
public transit buses with greener technology
in order to immediately begin lessening the
particulates emitted into the air and improve
the health of the city’s neighborhoods.
The City of Newark should consider
engaging in discussions with NJ Transit to
focus a high priority for the deployment
of new clean technology diesel buses, and
any planned retrofits, on routes that pass
through areas significantly affected by
cumulative air quality issues with particular
focus on routes in close proximity to
schools and residential neighborhoods.
Newark on a smoggy (February 1, 2005) versus clear (April 5, 2005) day. Photo
credit: Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and
Camnet, Realtime Air Pollution & Visibility Monitoring, www.hazecam.net.

Action Item 3:
DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A CUMULATIVE IMPACT
ORDINANCE AND ZONING AMENDMENTS TO MINIMIZE
AND MITIGATE NEW POLLUTION
AIR QUALITY | 21
make particularly good sense as a fuel for City sanitation
vehicles, due to their necessary presence on residential streets
throughout Newark. Several programs exist that address the
incremental cost of a CNG sanitation truck over and above the
cost of a new diesel truck. Securing the funds to cover the base
cost of the new sanitation truck should be a matter of priority
for the City, which currently uses diesel trucks that range from
seven to almost twenty years in age.
ZONING AND LAND USE STRATEGIES FOR DIESEL
REDUCTION
Another approach to address truck-related diesel air pollution
is to minimize the impact of truck intensive uses on residents
and workers through zoning and land use changes. The Zoning
Ordinance is currently undergoing a review and amendment
process.TheSustainabilityOfficeisparticipatinginthatprocess
to ensure changes reflect consideration for environmental
health in a number of areas. In terms of separating diesel
exhaust from residents, staff from Sustainability and Planning
should collaborate on a proposed amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance that spells out performance standards for truck-
intensive uses such as material-handling facilities, distribution
centers and truck docking facilities and any other commercial
or industrial use that involves more than two truck deliveries
per week. Meeting these standards would then become a
condition of Site Plan approval (described in further detail
below). Performance standards could include:
• Location more than one mile away from any vulnerable
receptors including schools, daycares, senior centers,
public housing, prisons, or detention centers
• Requirement that trucks using the site meet minimum
emissions standards to be developed by the Newark
Sustainability Office in collaboration with NJDEP and
comply with all State and Federal requirements related
to diesel emissions. This requirement should be passed
through to tenants in the event that a facility will be leased
to an operation with truck-intensive use
• If the facility use involves trucks waiting for delivery or
pick-up, facility must submit plans that reflect shore
power capability
• Submission of truck route plans that comply with City truck
route rules and submit a plan for emissions minimization
associated with trucks.
These requirements can be waived for projects using electric,
hybrid or CNG trucks.
This Action Item addresses the problem of cumulative impact—
the combined effects of many sources of pollution, small and
large, on ambient air quality. Current regulation on the location
of new facilities tends to focus on a comparison between the
amount of pollution the facility is projected to emit and a
threshold amount. Whether the projected pollution amount
is over or under the threshold amount drives the permitting
decision. In cities such as Newark, where there is a concentration
of polluting facilities, the threshold approach poses challenges in
terms of protecting human health and promoting environmental
justice. New pollution sources may be approved in locations with
already-high background concentrations of pollution as long as
they meet the threshold tests.
The Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC) to
NJDEP developed a report titled “Strategies for Addressing
Cumulative Impacts in Environmental Justice Communities.”
This report highlights cumulative environmental pollution and
other threats to public health and makes recommendations
based on best practices from other states, such as California.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL OPTIMIZATION
Many people who have driven through
downtown Newark can attest to the need
for improved traffic sign optimization.
Perhaps surprisingly, lack of coordination
among traffic lights is also a major source
of air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions. Cars and trucks spend much
more time stalled at red lights when they
are not properly coordinated. Newark has
already committed to a plan to address
this problem.The new system will replace
old traffic controllers and reconstruct
and upgrade the communications cables
and modules for over 130 signalized
intersections and integrate them all into a
central traffic control system.The system
will provide uniformity in signal timing
methods that will allow for system-wide
optimal traffic flows that will significantly
reduce idling time throughout the City.

The City of Sacramento, for example, developed an Air Quality
Managementguidetoaddresscumulativeairqualityimpactsand
nonattainment contributions. Sacramento’s plan determines if
a project will result in a net increase of any pollutant for which
the project region fails to meet federal air quality standards.
NJDEP is in process of developing more fine-grained tools for
dealing with the problem of cumulative impact.
To ensure progress on this issue at the local level, in 2011
the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance approached
the City of Newark about implementing a cumulative impact
ordinance and provided a sample document. The goal of the
ordinance is to use the local site plan review process to reduce
the amount of new pollution being introduced to areas already
over-burdened with existing sources. Based on the draft
developed by the Alliance, City staff is developing an ordinance
to present to the Municipal Council with three major features:
• Proposed industrial and commercial projects (with certain
exceptions) will be required to submit an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) that conforms to a City template.
(Current law allows the Engineering Director to request
this at his or her discretion. The new ordinance would
make submission mandatory.) The EIS must include
information on existing conditions, projected pollution
and other impacts anticipated from the new project,
alternatives considered to minimize any negative impacts,
and mitigation strategies for unavoidable impacts.
• The Newark Environmental Commission and the
Sustainability Office would be directed to coordinate the
development of an Environmental Resources Inventory
(ERI). This document would include information about
baseline environmental conditions throughout the city.
As it becomes more detailed, the ERI would begin to serve
as a point of departure for understanding the cumulative
impact of proposed new facilities on given neighborhoods.
As noted above, one approach for collecting information
for the ERI would be to engage with universities, students,
and community groups to conduct neighborhood-level
environmental assessments. These could be aggregated
into a city-wide assessment over time. Health data and
environmental hazard data should be overlaid in the
ERI to identify any geographic patterns or correlations
that might indicate an environmental health problem
requiring intervention.
• The third element of the Cumulative Impact Ordinance
would direct any mitigation funds collected as part of
Site Plan approval to be spent on project types and in
neighborhoods deemed by the Department of Child and
Family Wellbeing in consultation with the Environmental
Commission to have the greatest need of environmental
health projects.
A complementary strategy to the Cumulative Impact Ordinance
is a set of revisions to the Zoning Ordinance to strengthen the
City’s ability to require environmental mitigation or, in some
cases, to deny applicants permission to build. One proposal
under consideration is to make Industrial Zone uses (with
certain exceptions) “Conditional,” meaning that they must
meet certain conditions in order to obtain approval from
the Central Planning Board. The conditions projects must
meet would include performance standards relative to the
environment. For certain harmful pollutants, the standard
would be no net impact, meaning that either the project does
not emit that pollutant at all, or, to the extent that it does, it
provides mitigation either on or near the site sufficient to net
the impact back down to zero for that neighborhood. One way
to mitigate would be to pay into a fund that supports mitigation
projects, as directed by the priorities developed pursuant to
the Cumulative Impact Ordinance. This standard is similar to
that required in the City’s stormwater ordinance. Because the
system is already over-burdened, rules require developers to
capture one hundred percent of any incremental addition. Over
time, these rules will have the effect of encouraging cleaner
development projects and discouraging those that would erode
Newark’s quality of life. They would also provide an additional
funding source for pollution mitigation projects.
DID YOU KNOW?
Air quality impacts can be measured in
two ways: emissions (how much pollution
comes out of the tailpipe or smokestack)
and ambient air concentration (how much
pollution is in any given breath you take).
More emissions tends to mean higher
ambient air concentration. But some
emissions are more hazardous to your
health than others. For example, emissions
that happen close to the ground lead to
higher pollution concentrations in the
air than emissions that happen high in
the air.The total combination of all the
different types of emissions in the local
environment has a cumulative impact
on air quality. It is important to understand
this cumulative impact in order to protect
human health and improve quality of life.
DID YOU KNOW?
Air quality impacts can be measured in
two ways: emissions (how much pollution
comes out of the tailpipe or smokestack)
and ambient air concentration (how much
pollution is in any given breath you take).
More emissions tends to mean higher
ambient air concentration. But some
emissions are more hazardous to your
health than others. For example, emissions
that happen close to the ground lead to
higher pollution concentrations in the
air than emissions that happen high in
the air.The total combination of all the
different types of emissions in the local
environment has a cumulative impact
on air quality. It is important to understand
this cumulative impact in order to protect
human health and improve quality of life.

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